2 butterflies, 1 black with orange spots & 1 yellow with black stripes, sit on pink flowers

National Trails Day: Become a Citizen Scientist on the Trails (Peaks of Otter - Milepost 86)

Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Jun 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM
  • Free

Heading out on a trail for National Trails Day? Stop by the breezeway at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center to learn about becoming a Citizen Scientist before you head out. We can also recommend trails for you!

Citizen Science is when members of the public voluntarily participate in the scientific process. No science background needed! Learn about how you can participate and how your contributions make a difference.

You are encouraged to download the iNaturalist app before arriving. Use your smartphones to take photos and submit observations of plants, animals, bugs, birds, fungi, and more! This helps the Blue Ridge Parkway identify which species are present in the park and where they are located and inform future resource management decisions.

Whether you're an experienced naturalist or a first-time participant, your contributions will play a meaningful role in protecting and understanding this treasured landscape. 

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Located in the breezeway outside the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at Milepost 86 (85919 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA 24523).

Latitude and Longitude 37.445607, -79.609958

Schedule

Date:

Jun 6, 2026

Time:

9:30 AM

Duration:

2 hours

Stop in anytime during this two-hour period.

Contact Information

Blue Ridge Parkway
540-586-4496
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Talk
Tags: national trails day